I have one last posted chapter to read. I do hope you will finish this story. It is so good that I must find out how it plays out. Thank you.

obsidianj

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 11/12/2016

No one is is pleased in this chapter. You chose the title well.I don't think Denethor grasps that Herion is not the only one taking a chapter from his treatment of people. "Do as I say, not as I do" does not work. People that admire Denethor will follow his example and not so much his words as we see in Herion.

UTfrog

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/27/2016

Great chapter, but scary in several forebodings. I feel sorry for all our heroes.

Larner

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/27/2016

Well, a lesser Man Herion has definitely proved himself, and the punishment is in keeping with his pettiness. And now Thorongil has his proper place within the Tenth Company, and soon enough he will have that within the whole of the company of the Guards of Minas Tirith. This may not be pleasing to Denethor, but true skill and humility will win out in the end.

Now, to learn what Jamon learns within the dungeons of the Citadel!

Rowanfair

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/27/2016

High vs. Low... there it is again, that seemingly endless obstacle in human life. I try to imagine how a truely “mere” guardsman of the Tenth might try to call his highest superiors attention to the unjust behaviour “Ecthelion´s follies” face. Given that even a commander of thousands has his difficulties to raise this subject, knowing quite well he´s addressing a superior willing to listen.This whole new chapter is carving the edges of exactly that theme in many subtle ways. Be it poor Jamon, hopelessly trying to shake off his captain-generals frightening requirement, or a Herion, having to face "unexpected" anger and penalty.

“Let lesser man behave like lesser man” – well, one might raise ones doubts about that certain point of view, remembering some incidents have to/having come out of the very persons meddling who states this.

Honour and respect to be developed by effort instead of being given based on rank; it seems not only in MiddleEarth this remains wishful thinking…

...much to chew on... thanks again for sharing!

someone

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/26/2016

Denethor managed to surprise in this chapter. First he had the prisoner treated decently, and then he didn't let Herion off the hook concerning the sword. His way of thinking about "lesser men" doesn't credit him, though. He probably wouldn't have approved of Faramir's marriage.

It was a good thing that only Ecthelion was present at the confession. If even he had trouble understanding Thorongil's motives, then there is no way Denethor could have understood or approved. Now that the secret is out, I hope we will see Minardil's (or Herion's!) reaction.

Poor Jamon. First he has been beaten by the other guards, and then he has to go to prison and deceive his countryman.

Forgil is such a nice man. Even though he just occasionally appears in this story, I really like him.

Bitsay

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/26/2016

I am enjoying this immensely, and thank you so much for sharing such an engaging story. I thought all the amazing writers had left Middle Earth. So glad I'm wrong! x

shirebound

Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 10/25/2016

Ecthelion had oft times wondered, in his youth, whether he would have merited such deference from his Captains and his men had he not been born the son of the Steward. He thought he understood the need to measure oneself anew.

This is a very insightful way to help Ecthelion understand Thorongil's motives. And I very much like this: "a good man is worth his price. If this is yours, you may have it."